Insight Technique, Second Layer: Snowfall Perception—Achieved!
Jack Young stared intently at the Bald Giant. The fleeting, elusive red thread from before was now clearly visible. It wasn't an illusion—Jack could truly see it, a thin red line winding around the giant's arm, spreading toward him.
Its current position—the wrist!
Bang! Their arms collided with a dull thud. Jack staggered back two steps—while the Bald Giant clutched his wrist and stumbled back three!
Everyone's eyes widened in disbelief. Even the masked assassin let out a surprised 'Huh?' and sized Jack up from head to toe.
Jack's footing was still a bit shaky, but he was much better than a moment ago. The burst of Dragon-Elephant Relic energy had quickly repaired much of the damage. Though not at his peak, Jack was no longer exhausted or weak.
The Bald Giant's eyes bulged like brass bells, and there was a hint of terror in his gaze. Wasn't this the same fear he'd felt facing Dr. Thomas Tang? That terror was so deep, he had to kill Tang's 'disciple' to get his courage back.
But today, that almost supernatural power had returned! And now it was in the hands of someone who, just moments ago, couldn't even fight back!
"Impossible, impossible!" the Bald Giant roared hysterically, charging straight at Jack. His heavy footsteps made the ground tremble, and even the bystanders felt a chill.
But Jack didn't dodge. His eyes seemed to glow as he calmly watched the charging giant. Suddenly, he smiled, finally understanding why Dr. Thomas Tang never backed down in a fight.
Because there's no need.
With a single kick—nothing fancy, just a gentle tap to the giant's belly. Like déjà vu, the iron-bodied brute seemed to lose all his strength and collapsed to his knees with a thud.
In Jack's eyes, the red threads around the giant multiplied—his uncontrolled, chaotic energy fueled by terror. Even through his clothes, Jack could see the red lines twisting into a vivid palm print on the giant's chest.
"Turns out your skills were ruined by Old Tang's palm ages ago," Jack said, voicing the Bald Giant's deepest fear. "On the surface you look tough, but inside you're a total mess. People who can't see inside think you're scary—like I did just now. But to those who can, you're already a dead man!"
Step, advance, clench, swing! A surge of energy rose—not from the Dantian, but from everywhere! Blood and energy surged from every limb and bone, finally gathering in his fist as a raging torrent. This punch—reached its absolute limit!
Thud! Like a giant hammer on a drum, Jack's fist landed squarely on the palm print on the giant's chest, echoing with a deep vibration.
It was a heavy punch, but not enough to kill the sturdy giant. His body, tempered through countless trials, could take it. But his own boiling blood seemed bewitched, twisting and knotting in an instant—until, with a sickening squelch, his heart was crushed by his own energy!
The giant fell, eyes full of fear.
Jack stood tall, his eyes shining with power.
The Super Assassin slipped away without a sound. He wasn't afraid of Jack right now—but he'd sensed someone he absolutely couldn't beat.
Dr. Thomas Tang walked in from the sunset, bathed in golden light, looking almost divine.
............
It wasn't just Dr. Thomas Tang—many martial artists arrived, including Samuel Lee. They took control of the scene and rescued Lillian Lee. Jack had no idea what schemes or motives were at play, and he didn't care. Since Dr. Tang hadn't said anything, Jack didn't ask. They simply left the noisy clearing and walked side by side through the woods.
"Jack, you've finally reached this level," Dr. Thomas Tang said, his eyes full of emotion. "All in just a month—much faster than I expected."
"I've still got a long way to go." Jack grinned at Dr. Tang. "Take you, for example—I can't see where your energy is at all."
"Ha! If I hadn't scattered that big oaf's energy, you wouldn't see his either. But that's fine—once you're in the door, things get easier." Dr. Tang patted Jack's shoulder. "My path might not suit you, so I can only bring you this far. From here on, you walk your own road. When you've found your own way, we'll compare notes—and maybe have a proper match."
"Hey, sounds good," Jack shot back, patting Dr. Tang's shoulder in return. "Old Tang, take care of those creaky bones—next time, I'm tossing you in the oil vat!"
"I'm actually looking forward to that day," Dr. Tang said, gazing at the sunset. "You've been through the wringer—life and death, victories and defeats, pride and humiliation. Now, can you answer the question I asked at the start: Why do you study martial arts?"
Jack was silent for a moment, then looked at the sunset and spoke: "Training is tough. You beat me, scolded me, messed with me—every day I was black and blue, hurting all over, feeling half-dead. Duels are even riskier—life and death in an instant, fists flying blind. And if you get sucked into some conspiracy, your future's even murkier. It's a rough life."
"But!" Jack turned, eyes blazing at Dr. Tang. "I've lived through even worse days! I used to be full of hope, dreaming of glory, but ended up buried and trapped, dreams crushed into mediocrity. Those days didn't hurt my body, but they numbed my soul! You always said pain's not the problem—numbness is. I think life's the same. Training hurts like hell, but at least I know I'm alive. That numbness—now that's worse than death."
"So, I train in martial arts because I'm sick and tired of this damn ordinary life!" Jack clenched his fist to the sky, his voice not loud but a true cry from the soul: "I don't just want to survive—I want to live brilliantly! I want to smash this suffocating life with my own hands and welcome something new! That's my belief in martial arts!"
This chapter isn't over yet~.~ Click next page to keep reading!
Dr. Thomas Tang looked deeply at Jack, then nodded after a while: "Belief is the heart of martial arts. Extraordinary isn't just about being on top, or beating everyone else. The path is tough, so be ready for it."
"Hey, no matter how tough it gets, I'll keep walking," Jack grinned. "How's that for an answer? Pretty cool, right?"
"Can't say if it's good or bad," Dr. Tang smiled. "But at least I don't regret teaching you."
Not regretting teaching me... Old Tang, you really are a tsundere.
"Alright, I'm off. This is where we part ways. The road ahead is long—take care of yourself."
"Yeah, you too. Take care, and cherish every step."
Old Tang left. Jack wandered to the riverside, lay on the grass, and watched the setting sun. Somewhere deep down, he felt this journey into the martial arts world was coming to an end.
The evening glow burned. Jack saw a flash of gold in his left palm again. This time, he didn't let it slip by—he stared closely and found a golden image appearing on his palm. It was the profile of a man, simple yet elegant, and the features looked almost exactly like Jack's own.
"Left hand for men, right for women..." Jack thought of Jill—her palm mark was on the right. "I wonder if all that Dragon-Elephant Relic energy got transferred to Jill? Feels like she's a natural-born martial arts prodigy."
Jack lowered his hand, making the image vanish by sheer will. Resting his arm beneath his head, he faced the sunset and closed his eyes.
Moments later, someone arrived at the riverside—it was Lillian Lee, searching for Jack. Seeing the empty riverbank, she suddenly felt a pang of loneliness.
Some people are destined to be just passing through. When they're gone, they're gone.
(Jack's path in martial arts is my path in writing.
With words, I seek the extraordinary. The road is tough, but I won't give up. Brothers, lend me your strength—let's climb the ladder to the heavens together!)